A body has been found following a desperate search for a missing boy who was swept out to sea off the New South Wales central coast.
Laith Alaid, 11, had just finished fishing with his father, 43, and his three younger brothers (nine, seven and three) when he was swept into the ocean at The Entry at around 5.15pm on Sunday. .
Their father was helping the three younger brothers cross a canal as they returned to shore when Laith, who was walking behind him, was swept away by the tide.
A multi-coordinated search for the boy was launched with rescue helicopters, water police and surf lifesavers united.
New South Wales Police revealed on Wednesday that a body had been located at 2.30pm.
“Although the body has not yet been formally identified, it is believed to be that of the missing child,” a spokeswoman said.
“A report will be prepared for the coroner.”
The family posted a photo of Laith on Tuesday and thanked those who joined them, saying they are “deeply touched by the community’s support.”
Laith Alaid, 11, had just finished fishing with his 43-year-old father and three younger brothers (nine, seven and three) when he was swept into the ocean at The Entry on the New Wales central coast. South, around 5:15 pm Sunday
A multi-coordinated search for the boy was launched with rescue helicopters, water police and surf lifeguards united.
The image, which shows the young man proudly holding two small fish, was taken just hours before his disappearance.
Witnesses said Laith’s family remained on the beach the last few days hoping for a miracle.
“They didn’t come home (Sunday),” one woman said.
‘I saw them at 1.30 in the morning still sitting there, with blankets, crying. It killed me.’
Another witness said Laith’s father was overcome with emotion as he watched the search operation Monday.
“When the helicopter came down and it looked like it had found something, he would go back to his car,” they said.
It is understood Laith walked with a camp chair on his back as the family crossed the famous canal.
Two bystanders helped care for the man’s youngest children while he desperately tried to rescue his son.
The distraught father was later photographed sitting on the sand hugging his youngest son tightly as he was comforted.
The family, who are understood to not speak English, had been visiting the area from Sydney.
It is understood the mother did not go fishing but traveled to the Central Coast with family and friends on Monday when the search resumed.
The Entrance Channel is one of the most dangerous places on the Central Coast due to strong currents during tidal changes.
The treacherous channel, known as the “black point”, connects the Tuggerah Lakes to the ocean.
The distraught father was later photographed sitting on the sand hugging his youngest son tightly as he was comforted.
Many people cross the channel at low tide to return to the Entrance car park or to access the North Entrance.
However, when the tide changes, the strong currents that drag the water out to sea are powerful.
In 2016, two fishermen drowned in the entrance channel after falling into the water while fishing.
In 2012, Keon Sbrugnera, a 15-year-old boy, also drowned after becoming trapped on a cliff while swimming with friends.
That same year, a strong current during an incoming tide swept a Toyota HiLux ute into the middle of the inlet channel.
An excavator had to be called to help lift the ute out of the water.
